JP2018153920A - Liquid discharge head - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to make it difficult for airflow turbulence to occur, and to suppress a problem that liquid discharged from each nozzle does not land at a desired position. A plurality of nozzles (11n) belonging to each of pressure chamber rows (11m1 to 11m4) each have a different distance in the orthogonal direction from one end in the orthogonal direction of the pressure chamber (11m) communicating with the nozzle (11n). The nozzles are arranged so as to be different from the nozzles 11n and to have different positions in the orthogonal direction from the other nozzles 11n. Among the plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to each of the pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4, the distance I in the orthogonal direction between the two nozzles 11n that are most separated from each other in the orthogonal direction is the distance I from the nozzle 11n in each of these two nozzles 11n. The distance in the orthogonal direction is equal to or more than the distance in the orthogonal direction to the end closer to the nozzle 11n in the orthogonal direction among both ends in the orthogonal direction of one pressure chamber 11m communicating with the nozzle 11n. [Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid discharge head having a flow path substrate in which at least one pressure chamber row is formed.

  In a liquid discharge head, a technique is known in which a plurality of pressure chambers are arranged on a flow path substrate to form at least one pressure chamber row. For example, in FIG. 1A of Patent Document 1, a plurality of channels (pressure chambers) are arranged to form one pressure chamber row. The plurality of nozzles belonging to one pressure chamber row are shifted in an orthogonal direction parallel to the surface (nozzle surface) in which the plurality of nozzles are opened in the nozzle plate and orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the plurality of pressure chambers (that is, each nozzle Are arranged so that the positions in the orthogonal direction are different from those of another nozzle adjacent in the arrangement direction.

JP-T-2001-519264

  In FIG. 1A of Patent Document 1, a plurality of nozzles belonging to one pressure chamber row are arranged shifted in the orthogonal direction as described above. However, these nozzles are positioned substantially at the center in the orthogonal direction of the pressure chambers communicating with the nozzles as viewed from the direction orthogonal to the nozzle surface (that is, the displacement of the nozzles in the orthogonal direction is relatively small). Therefore, an air curtain along the arrangement direction is easily formed by the airflow generated by the discharge of the liquid from each nozzle. In this case, the airflow in the orthogonal direction generated by the conveyance of the paper or the like collides with the air curtain, so that the airflow is disturbed and the liquid ejected from each nozzle may not land at a desired position.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid ejection head that is less likely to cause turbulence of airflow and that can suppress the problem that the liquid ejected from each nozzle does not land at a desired position.

  A liquid discharge head according to the present invention has a nozzle surface having a plurality of nozzles open, and covers a plurality of pressure chambers formed with a plurality of pressure chambers communicating with each of the plurality of nozzles, and the plurality of pressure chambers. An actuator, wherein the plurality of pressure chambers are arranged so as to constitute at least one pressure chamber row, and the plurality of nozzles belonging to one pressure chamber row each includes the plurality of pressure chambers. The distance in the orthogonal direction of one pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle from the one end in the orthogonal direction parallel to the nozzle surface and orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the plurality of pressure chambers is adjacent to the arrangement direction. Different from the other nozzles, and arranged in different directions from each other in the orthogonal direction, and the orthogonal direction among the plurality of nozzles belonging to one pressure chamber row The distance in the orthogonal direction between two nozzles that are farthest apart from each other is equal to both ends of the two nozzles in the orthogonal direction of one pressure chamber that communicates with the nozzle from the nozzle in each of the two nozzles. The distance in the orthogonal direction is equal to or more than the distance to the end closer to the nozzle in the orthogonal direction.

1 is a schematic plan view of a printer 100 including a head 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG. 3) showing a part of the flow path formed on the flow path substrate 11 of the head 1. It is sectional drawing along the III-III line of FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of ink from the tank 14 of the head 1. It is sectional drawing corresponding to FIG. 2 of the head 1 'which concerns on the modification of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing corresponding to FIG. 2 of the head 201 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing corresponding to FIG. 2 of the head 201 'which concerns on the modification of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing corresponding to FIG. 2 of the head 301 which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing corresponding to FIG. 3 of the head 401 which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing corresponding to FIG. 2 of the head 1 '' which concerns on another modification of 1st Embodiment of this invention.

<First Embodiment>
First, an overall configuration of a printer 100 including a head unit 1x including the head 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The printer 100 includes a platen 3, a transport mechanism 4, and a control device 5 in addition to the head unit 1x.

  The head unit 1x is a line type (that is, a system that ejects ink to the paper 9 in a state where the position is fixed), and is long in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction. The head unit 1x includes four heads 1 arranged in a staggered manner along a direction orthogonal to the transport direction. The four heads 1 have the same structure. Each head 1 ejects ink from a plurality of nozzles 11n (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

  The platen 3 is disposed below the head unit 1x. Ink is ejected from each head 1 onto the paper 9 supported by the platen 3.

  The transport mechanism 4 includes two roller pairs 4a and 4b arranged with the platen 3 sandwiched in the transport direction. By driving the transport motor 4m, the two rollers constituting each of the roller pairs 4a and 4b rotate in opposite directions while sandwiching the paper 9, whereby the paper 9 is transported in the transport direction.

  The control device 5 controls the four heads 1, the transport motor 4m, and the like so that an image is recorded on the paper 9 based on a recording command input from an external device such as a PC.

  Next, the configuration of the head 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. The head 1 includes a flow path substrate 11, an actuator 12, and a tank 14.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the flow path substrate 11 includes four plates 11a to 11d, which are bonded to each other. The plate 11a is formed with an upper part of the pressure chamber 11m, an upper part of the supply channel 11s, an upper part of the return channel 11r, and throttles 11t and 11u. The plate 11b is formed with a lower portion of the pressure chamber 11m, a vertical central portion of the supply flow passage 11s, and a vertical central portion of the return flow passage 11r. The plate 11c is formed with a lower part of the supply channel 11s, a lower part of the return channel 11r, and a descender 11p that connects the pressure chamber 11m and the nozzle 11n. A nozzle 11n is formed through the plate 11d.

  The lower surface of the flow path substrate 11 (the lower surface of the plate 11d) is a nozzle surface 11nx in which a plurality of nozzles 11n are opened, as shown in FIGS. The plurality of nozzles 11n have the same shape and size.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a plurality of pressure chambers 11m are opened on the upper surface of the flow path substrate 11 (the upper surface of the plate 11a). The plurality of pressure chambers 11m communicate with each of the plurality of nozzles 11n. The plurality of pressure chambers 11m have the same shape and size.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of pressure chambers 11m are arranged to form four pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4. The plurality of pressure chambers 11m constituting each of the pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4 are arranged at equal intervals in the arrangement direction (direction orthogonal to the transport direction). The four pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4 are arranged in an orthogonal direction (a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction and parallel to the transport direction). The plurality of pressure chambers 11m constituting each of the pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4 have the same position in the orthogonal direction. The plurality of pressure chambers 11m are arranged in a staggered manner so that the positions in the arrangement direction are different from each other.

  The supply flow path 11s and the return flow path 11r each extend in the arrangement direction as shown in FIG.

  The supply flow path 11s is provided between the pressure chamber row 11m1 and the pressure chamber row 11m2, and between the pressure chamber row 11m3 and the pressure chamber row 11m4. The return flow path 11r is provided on the upstream side in the transport direction of the pressure chamber row 11m1, between the pressure chamber row 11m2 and the pressure chamber row 11m3, and on the downstream side in the transport direction of the pressure chamber row 11m4.

  Supply ports 11sx are formed at both ends of each supply channel 11s in the arrangement direction. Return ports 11rx are formed at both ends of each return channel 11r in the arrangement direction. The supply port 11 sx and the return port 11 rx are opened on the surface of the flow path substrate 11. As shown in FIG. 4, the supply flow path 11s and the return flow path 11r communicate with the storage chamber 14x of the tank 14 via tubes connected to the supply port 11sx and the return opening 11rx, respectively. Ink is stored in the storage chamber 14x. The ink in the storage chamber 14x flows into the supply channel 11s through the supply port 11sx by the drive of the pump P, and is supplied to each pressure chamber 11m through the throttle 11t. A part of the ink supplied to each pressure chamber 11m is ejected from the nozzle 11n, the rest flows into the return channel 11r through the throttle 11u, and is returned to the storage chamber 14x through the return port 11rx.

  The supply flow path 11s and the return flow path 11r are arranged at the same height. The diaphragm 11t and the diaphragm 11u are arranged at the same height.

  A supply flow path 11s provided between the pressure chamber row 11m1 and the pressure chamber row 11m2 supplies ink to the pressure chambers 11m of the two pressure chamber rows 11m1 and 11m2. The supply flow path 11s provided between the pressure chamber row 11m3 and the pressure chamber row 11m4 supplies ink to the pressure chambers 11m of these two pressure chamber rows 11m3 and 11m4.

  The return flow path 11r provided on the upstream side in the transport direction of the pressure chamber row 11m1 returns ink from each pressure chamber 11m of the pressure chamber row 11m1 to the storage chamber 14x. The return flow path 11r provided between the pressure chamber row 11m2 and the pressure chamber row 11m3 returns ink from the pressure chambers 11m of these two pressure chamber rows 11m2 and 11m3 to the storage chamber 14x. The return flow path 11r provided on the downstream side in the transport direction of the pressure chamber row 11m4 returns ink from each pressure chamber 11m of the pressure chamber row 11m4 to the storage chamber 14x.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the actuator 12 is disposed on the upper surface of the flow path substrate 11 so as to cover the plurality of pressure chambers 11 m. The actuator 12 includes a diaphragm 12a, a common electrode 12b, a piezoelectric layer 12c, and a plurality of individual electrodes 12d in order from the bottom. The diaphragm 12a, the common electrode 12b, and the piezoelectric layer 12c are arranged so as to cover the plurality of pressure chambers 11m (that is, straddle the plurality of pressure chambers 11m), whereas the plurality of individual electrodes 12d include a plurality of individual electrodes 12d. The pressure chambers 11m are arranged so as to face each of the pressure chambers 11m (for each pressure chamber 11m). The common electrode 12b is grounded.

  A portion sandwiched between the individual electrode 12d and the common electrode 12b in the piezoelectric layer 12c functions as an active portion 12x that can be deformed in response to application of a voltage to the individual electrode 12d. That is, the actuator 12 has a plurality of active portions 12x that face each of the plurality of pressure chambers 11m in a direction orthogonal to the nozzle surface 11nx (see FIG. 2). By driving the active part 12x (that is, by deforming the active part 12x in response to application of a voltage to the individual electrode 12d (for example, being deformed so as to protrude toward the pressure chamber 11m)), the volume of the pressure chamber 11m is increased. The pressure is applied to the ink in the pressure chamber 11m, and the ink is ejected from the nozzle 11n.

  Next, the arrangement of the nozzles 11n will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  Each nozzle 11n is in a region of the pressure chamber 11m (pressure chamber region 11mR) communicating with the nozzle 11n, and in a region of the active portion 12x (active portion region 12xR) facing the pressure chamber 11m communicating with the nozzle 11n. Is arranged. The pressure chamber region 11mR is a region obtained by projecting the pressure chamber 11m onto the nozzle surface 11nx from a direction orthogonal to the nozzle surface 11nx. The active portion region 12xR is a region obtained by projecting the active portion 12x onto the nozzle surface 11nx from a direction orthogonal to the nozzle surface 11nx.

  The plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to each pressure chamber row 11m1 to 11m4 (that is, communicating with the plurality of pressure chambers 11m constituting each pressure chamber row 11m1 to 11m4) are orthogonal to the pressure chamber 11m communicating with the nozzle 11n, respectively. It is arranged so that the distance in the orthogonal direction from one end of the direction is different from that of another nozzle 11n adjacent in the arrangement direction, and the position in the orthogonal direction is different from that of the other nozzle 11n. Specifically, in FIG. 2, when focusing on the first and second nozzles 11n from the left of the pressure chamber row 11m1, the pressure chamber 11m communicating with the nozzle 11n in the first nozzle 11n from the left of the pressure chamber row 11m1. The distance D1 in the orthogonal direction from one end (upper end in FIG. 2) of the nozzle 11n in the second nozzle from the left of the pressure chamber row 11m1 (another nozzle adjacent to the first nozzle from the left in the arrangement direction) 11n It differs from the distance D2 in the orthogonal direction from one end of the pressure chamber 11m communicating with. Further, the position in the orthogonal direction of the first nozzle 11n from the left of the pressure chamber row 11m1 is different from the position in the orthogonal direction of the second nozzle 11n from the left of the pressure chamber row 11m1.

  Among the plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to each of the pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4, the nozzles other than the nozzle located at the end in the arrangement direction are different in the position in the orthogonal direction from the nozzles adjacent to both sides in the arrangement direction. In the present embodiment, the plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to each of the pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4 have different positions in the orthogonal direction one by one in the arrangement direction, and the positions in the orthogonal direction are the same every other arrangement direction. So that it is arranged. In other words, the plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to each of the pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4 constitute two nozzle rows that are arranged in the arrangement direction and arranged in the orthogonal direction.

  Among the plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to each of the pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4, a distance in the orthogonal direction between two nozzles 11n (in the present embodiment, two nozzles 11n adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction) that are most separated from each other in the orthogonal direction. I is equal in the four pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4.

  The distance I in each of these two nozzles 11n is from the nozzle 11n to the end closer to the nozzle 11n in the orthogonal direction among both ends in the orthogonal direction of one pressure chamber 11m communicating with the nozzle 11n. It is more than the distance in the orthogonal direction. Specifically, in FIG. 2, when focusing on the first and second nozzles 11n from the left of the pressure chamber row 11m1, the distance I is changed from the first nozzle 11n from the left of the pressure chamber row 11m1 to the nozzle 11n. A distance D1 or more in the orthogonal direction to the end (upper end in FIG. 2) closer to the nozzle 11n in the orthogonal direction among both ends in the orthogonal direction of one pressure chamber 11m that communicates, and the pressure chamber row 11m1 From the second nozzle 11n from the left to the end (the lower end in FIG. 2) closer to the nozzle 11n in the orthogonal direction among both ends in the orthogonal direction of one pressure chamber 11m communicating with the nozzle 11n It is more than the direction distance D3.

  In the present embodiment, the distance D1 and the distance D3 are equal. Further, of the plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to each of the pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4, the two nozzles 11n that are furthest away from each other in the orthogonal direction from the nozzle 11n to the one pressure chamber 11m that communicates with the nozzle 11n. All of the distances in the orthogonal direction to the end closer to the nozzle 11n in the orthogonal direction among both ends are equal. That is, in all the pressure chambers 11m of the head 1, the relative positional relationship between the pressure chamber 11m and the nozzle 11n is equal. As a result, it is possible to suppress problems that cause variations in ejection characteristics (size of ink droplets ejected from the nozzles 11n, ejection speed, ejection direction, and the like).

  Further, the distance I is the one closer to the nozzle 11n in the orthogonal direction among the two ends of the active part 12x facing the pressure chamber 11m communicating with the nozzle 11n from the nozzle 11n in each of these two nozzles 11n. It is more than the distance of the orthogonal direction to the edge part. Specifically, in FIG. 2, when focusing on the fourth and fifth nozzles 11n from the left of the pressure chamber row 11m4, the distance I is changed from the fourth nozzle 11n from the left of the pressure chamber row 11m4 to the nozzle 11n. A distance D4 or more in the orthogonal direction to the end (upper end in FIG. 2) closer to the nozzle 11n in the orthogonal direction among both ends in the orthogonal direction of the active part 12x facing the communicating pressure chamber 11m, and From the fifth nozzle 11n from the left of the pressure chamber row 11m4, the end portion closer to the nozzle 11n in the orthogonal direction among the ends in the orthogonal direction of the active portion 12x facing the pressure chamber 11m communicating with the nozzle 11n (see FIG. 2 or more in the orthogonal direction.

  Further, the distance I includes a plurality of pressure chambers 11m constituting a pressure chamber row to which these two nozzles 11n belong, and a plurality of pressure chambers 11m constituting another pressure chamber row adjacent to the pressure chamber row in the orthogonal direction. Of the distance D6 in the orthogonal direction. The four pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4 are arranged at the same interval D6 in the orthogonal direction. That is, the interval D6 in the orthogonal direction between the plurality of pressure chambers 11m constituting the pressure chamber row 11m1 and the plurality of pressure chambers 11m constituting the pressure chamber row 11m2, and the plurality of pressure chambers 11m and pressure chambers constituting the pressure chamber row 11m2. An interval D6 in the orthogonal direction between the plurality of pressure chambers 11m constituting the row 11m3 and a direction perpendicular to the plurality of pressure chambers 11m constituting the pressure chamber row 11m3 and the plurality of pressure chambers 11m constituting the pressure chamber row 11m4 The distance D6 is the same as each other.

  The interval D6 is smaller than the length 12L in the orthogonal direction of one active portion 12x.

  The distance I is an orthogonal direction between a plurality of active portions 12x belonging to the pressure chamber row to which these two nozzles 11n belong and a plurality of active portions 12x belonging to another pressure chamber row adjacent to the pressure chamber row in the orthogonal direction. More than the interval D7. Similarly to the pressure chambers 11m, the active portions 12x are also arranged at an equal interval D7 in the orthogonal direction.

  The distance I is equal to the minimum distance in the orthogonal direction from the plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to one pressure chamber row to the plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to another pressure chamber row adjacent to the pressure chamber row in the orthogonal direction. . That is, the plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to all of the pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4 are arranged at equal intervals (distance I) in the orthogonal direction.

  The distance I is an even multiple of the distance corresponding to the maximum resolution in the orthogonal direction. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the maximum resolution in the orthogonal direction is 1200 dpi, and the distance corresponding to the maximum resolution in the orthogonal direction is 42 μm. Therefore, the distance I is an even multiple of 42 μm (42 μm × 2 = 84 μm, 42 μm × 4 = 168 μm, etc.).

  Further, in the case where there are a plurality of patterns of a plurality of nozzles 11n corresponding to a plurality of dots arranged in the arrangement direction in the orthogonal direction from the supply channel 11s for supplying ink to the pressure chamber 11m communicating with the nozzle 11n. Among the plurality of patterns, the plurality of nozzles 11n are arranged in a pattern in which the number of consecutive nozzles 11n having the same orthogonal distance from the supply flow path 11s is the smallest. Specifically, in FIG. 2, in order from the left, the plurality of nozzles 11n corresponding to the plurality of dots arranged in the arrangement direction are numbered “1” to “6”, and are supplied from the supply flow path 11s. A nozzle 11n having a relatively small distance in the orthogonal direction is denoted by “A”, and a nozzle 11n having the distance greater than “A” is denoted by “B” (in this embodiment, the nozzles 11n belonging to each pressure chamber row are two nozzles. Since it constitutes a column, it is classified into the above two “A” and “B”). In the present embodiment, the nozzles 11n of “1” to “6” are “B”, “A”, “A”, “B”, “A”, and “B”.

  On the other hand, in the head 1 ′ according to the modification of FIG. 5, numbers “1” to “6” are assigned to the plurality of nozzles 11 n corresponding to the plurality of dots arranged in the arrangement direction in order from the left, and the above Similarly, the nozzles 11n are classified into “A” and “B”, and the nozzles 11n of “1” to “6” are “B”, “B”, “A”, “A”, “A”, and “A”. That is, in the modified example of FIG. 5, compared to the present embodiment, “A”, “A”, “B”, “B”, the number of consecutive nozzles 11 n having the same distance in the orthogonal direction from the supply flow path 11 s, is larger. It has become.

  In the case where the nozzles 11n belonging to each pressure chamber row constitute two nozzle rows, there are various patterns in the arrangement of the nozzles 11n, including the modified example of FIG. This embodiment is a pattern in which the number of consecutive nozzles 11n having the same orthogonal distance from the supply flow path 11s is the smallest among the various patterns, and the distance in the orthogonal direction from the supply flow path 11s is the same. A pattern in which equal nozzles 11n do not continue for 84 μm or more is employed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, each of the plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to each of the pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4 has an orthogonal direction from one end in the orthogonal direction of the pressure chamber 11m communicating with the nozzle 11n. The distance is different from that of another nozzle 11n adjacent in the arrangement direction (for example, D1 ≠ D2 in FIG. 2), and the position in the orthogonal direction is different from that of the other nozzle 11n. Then, among the plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to each of the pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4, the distance I in the orthogonal direction between the two nozzles 11n that are most separated from each other in the orthogonal direction is determined from the nozzle 11n in each of these two nozzles 11n. More than the distance in the orthogonal direction (for example, D1 and D3 in FIG. 2) to the end closer to the nozzle 11n in the orthogonal direction among both ends in the orthogonal direction of one pressure chamber 11m communicating with the nozzle 11n is there. That is, the plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to each of the pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4 are arranged so as to be displaced in the orthogonal direction, and the displacement of the nozzles 11n in the orthogonal direction is relatively large. Therefore, it is difficult to form an air curtain along the arrangement direction, and the airflow in the orthogonal direction caused by the conveyance of the paper 9 or the like is likely to pass between the nozzles 11n adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction. Thereby, the turbulence of the airflow hardly occurs, and the problem that the ink ejected from each nozzle 11n does not land at a desired position can be suppressed.

  The plurality of pressure chambers 11m constituting each of the pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4 have the same position in the orthogonal direction. When the plurality of pressure chambers 11m constituting each of the pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4 are arranged so as to be shifted in the orthogonal direction, the size of the flow path substrate 11 in the orthogonal direction is increased. On the other hand, according to the said structure, it avoids that the size of the orthogonal | vertical direction of the flow-path board | substrate 11 becomes large by aligning the position of the orthogonal | vertical direction of the several pressure chamber 11m which comprises each pressure chamber row | line | column 11m1-11m4. However, the turbulence of the airflow can be made difficult to occur by the arrangement of the nozzles 11n.

  Each nozzle 11n is disposed in the pressure chamber region 11mR. Thereby, the ink can be efficiently discharged from each nozzle 11n.

  The distance I is an end of each of these two nozzles 11n that is closer to the nozzle 11n in the orthogonal direction among both ends in the orthogonal direction of the active part 12x facing the pressure chamber 11m communicating with the nozzle 11n from the nozzle 11n. It is equal to or greater than the distance in the orthogonal direction (for example, D4 and D5 in FIG. 2). Thereby, the shift | offset | difference of the orthogonal direction in the some nozzle 11n which belongs to each pressure chamber row | line | column 11m1-11m4 can be enlarged more reliably.

  Each nozzle 11n is arranged in the active part region 12xR. Thereby, the ink can be efficiently discharged from each nozzle 11n.

  Among the plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to each of the pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4, the nozzles other than the nozzle located at the end in the arrangement direction are different in the position in the orthogonal direction from the nozzles adjacent to both sides in the arrangement direction. As a result, the air curtain along the arrangement direction is less likely to be formed, and the airflow in the orthogonal direction caused by the conveyance of the paper 9 or the like is more likely to pass between the nozzles 11n adjacent in the arrangement direction. Therefore, the turbulence of airflow is less likely to occur, and the problem that the ink ejected from each nozzle 11n does not land at a desired position can be more reliably suppressed.

  The distance I is equal to the minimum distance in the orthogonal direction from the plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to one pressure chamber row to the plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to another pressure chamber row adjacent to the pressure chamber row in the orthogonal direction. By setting the distance I to be equal to or greater than the minimum distance, it is possible to increase the displacement in the orthogonal direction in the plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to the pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4 more reliably. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the distance I is equal to the minimum distance, and in the two pressure chamber rows adjacent to each other in the orthogonal direction, the plurality of nozzles 11n are arranged at equal intervals in the orthogonal direction. As a result, the air curtain along the arrangement direction is less likely to be formed, and the airflow in the orthogonal direction caused by the conveyance of the paper 9 or the like is more likely to pass between the nozzles 11n adjacent in the arrangement direction. Therefore, the turbulence of airflow is less likely to occur, and the problem that the ink ejected from each nozzle 11n does not land at a desired position can be more reliably suppressed.

  A plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to all four pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4 are arranged at equal intervals (distance I) in the orthogonal direction. Thereby, the turbulence of the airflow is less likely to occur, and the problem that the ink ejected from each nozzle 11n does not land at a desired position can be more reliably suppressed.

  The distance I includes a plurality of pressure chambers 11m constituting the pressure chamber row to which these two nozzles 11n belong, and a plurality of pressure chambers 11m constituting another pressure chamber row adjacent to the pressure chamber row in the orthogonal direction. It is more than the interval D6 in the orthogonal direction. Thereby, the shift | offset | difference of the orthogonal direction in the some nozzle 11n which belongs to each pressure chamber row | line | column 11m1-11m4 can be enlarged more reliably.

  The distance I is an orthogonal direction between a plurality of active portions 12x belonging to the pressure chamber row to which these two nozzles 11n belong and a plurality of active portions 12x belonging to another pressure chamber row adjacent to the pressure chamber row in the orthogonal direction. More than the interval D7. Thereby, the shift | offset | difference of the orthogonal direction in the some nozzle 11n which belongs to each pressure chamber row | line | column 11m1-11m4 can be enlarged more reliably.

  The interval D6 is smaller than the length 12L in the orthogonal direction of one active portion 12x. Thereby, the space | interval of the pressure chamber row | line | columns 11m1-11m4 is small, and the high-density arrangement | positioning of the pressure chamber 11m is implement | achieved.

  A supply channel 11 s and a return channel 11 r are formed on the channel substrate 11. As a result, the ink is circulated between the storage chamber 14x and each pressure chamber 11m, thereby eliminating bubbles in the ink and preventing ink thickening.

  In the case where there are a plurality of patterns of the distance in the orthogonal direction from the supply flow path 11s that supplies ink to the pressure chamber 11m communicating with the nozzle 11n of the plurality of nozzles 11n corresponding to the plurality of dots arranged in the arrangement direction, Among the plurality of patterns, the plurality of nozzles 11n are arranged in a pattern in which the nozzles 11n having the same distance in the orthogonal direction from the supply flow path 11s are continuous (for example, “1” to “1” in FIG. 2). 6 ”nozzles 11n are arranged in a pattern of“ B ”,“ A ”,“ A ”,“ B ”,“ A ”, and“ B ”). Depending on the distance in the orthogonal direction from the supply flow path 11s, the discharge characteristics can change. For this reason, if the number of consecutive nozzles 11n having the same distance in the orthogonal direction from the supply flow path 11s is large, the characteristic difference becomes significant, and the image quality may be deteriorated due to the occurrence of streaks in the image. In this regard, according to the above configuration, the problem can be reduced.

  The plurality of nozzles 11n corresponding to the plurality of dots arranged in the arrangement direction are arranged in a pattern in which the nozzles 11n having the same distance in the orthogonal direction from the supply flow path 11s do not continue for 84 μm or more. If the nozzles 11n having the same distance in the orthogonal direction from the supply flow path 11s are continuously 84 μm or more, it is easy for a person to visually recognize the characteristic difference. In this regard, according to the above configuration, the problem can be reduced.

  The distance I is an even multiple of the distance corresponding to the maximum resolution in the orthogonal direction. Thereby, it is easy to cope with a decrease in resolution in the orthogonal direction due to a change in the print mode or the like.

Second Embodiment
Subsequently, a head 201 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The head 1 constitutes two nozzle rows in which the plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to the pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4 are arranged in the arrangement direction and arranged in the orthogonal direction. A plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to the chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4 constitutes three nozzle rows arranged in the arrangement direction and arranged in the orthogonal direction. As the number of nozzle rows formed by the plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to each of the pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4 increases, it is more difficult to form an air curtain along the arrangement direction. It becomes easier to pass between the nozzles 11n adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction.

  The plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to each of the pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4 has a distance in the orthogonal direction from one end in the orthogonal direction of the pressure chamber 11m communicating with the nozzle 11n, and another nozzle 11n adjacent in the arrangement direction. They are different and arranged so that their positions in the orthogonal direction are different from those of the other nozzles 11n. Specifically, in FIG. 6, focusing on the first to third nozzles 11n from the left in the pressure chamber row 11m1, the pressure chambers 11m communicating with the nozzles 11n in the first nozzle 11n from the left in the pressure chamber row 11m1 The distance E1 in the orthogonal direction from one end (the upper end in FIG. 6) is the same as the nozzle 11n in the second nozzle from the left of the pressure chamber row 11m1 (another nozzle adjacent to the first nozzle from the left in the arrangement direction) 11n. This is different from the distance E2 in the orthogonal direction from one end of the communicating pressure chamber 11m. Further, the distance E2 is orthogonal from one end of the pressure chamber 11m communicating with the nozzle 11n in the third nozzle from the left of the pressure chamber row 11m1 (another nozzle adjacent to the second nozzle from the left in the arrangement direction) 11n. It is different from the direction distance E3. Further, the position in the orthogonal direction of the first nozzle 11n from the left of the pressure chamber row 11m1 is different from the position in the orthogonal direction of the second nozzle 11n from the left of the pressure chamber row 11m1. The position in the orthogonal direction of the second nozzle 11n from the left in the pressure chamber row 11m1 is different from the position in the orthogonal direction of the third nozzle 11n from the left in the pressure chamber row 11m1.

  Among the plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to each of the pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4, the nozzles other than the nozzle located at the end in the arrangement direction are different in the position in the orthogonal direction from the nozzles adjacent to both sides in the arrangement direction. In the present embodiment, the plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to each of the pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4 have different positions in the orthogonal direction one by one in the arrangement direction, and have the same position in the orthogonal direction every other two in the arrangement direction. So that it is arranged. That is, the plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to each of the pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4 constitute three nozzle rows arranged in the arrangement direction and arranged in the orthogonal direction.

  Of the plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to each of the pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4, two nozzles 11n that are most separated from each other in the orthogonal direction (in this embodiment, two nozzles 11n arranged with one nozzle 11n sandwiched in the arrangement direction) ) In the orthogonal direction 2J (= J × 2) is equal in the four pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4.

  The distance 2J is the distance between the nozzle 11n in each of these two nozzles 11n and the end closer to the nozzle 11n in the orthogonal direction among both ends in the orthogonal direction of one pressure chamber 11m communicating with the nozzle 11n. It is more than the distance in the orthogonal direction. Specifically, in FIG. 6, focusing on the first and third nozzles 11n from the left of the pressure chamber row 11m1, the distance 2J is changed from the first nozzle 11n from the left of the pressure chamber row 11m1 to the nozzle 11n. A distance E1 or more in the orthogonal direction to an end portion (upper end in FIG. 6) closer to the nozzle 11n in the orthogonal direction among both ends in the orthogonal direction of one pressure chamber 11m that communicates, and the pressure chamber row 11m1 From the third nozzle 11n from the left to the end (the lower end in FIG. 6) closer to the nozzle 11n in the orthogonal direction among the ends in the orthogonal direction of one pressure chamber 11m communicating with the nozzle 11n The distance in the direction is E4 or more.

  In the present embodiment, the distance E1 and the distance E4 are equal. Further, as in the first embodiment, of the plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to each of the pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4, one of the two nozzles 11n farthest from each other in the orthogonal direction communicates from the nozzle 11n to the nozzle 11n. The distances in the orthogonal direction are all equal to the end closer to the nozzle 11n in the orthogonal direction among both ends of the pressure chamber 11m in the orthogonal direction. That is, in all the pressure chambers 11m of the head 1, the relative positional relationship between the pressure chamber 11m and the nozzle 11n is equal. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the problem that the discharge characteristics vary.

  Further, the distance 2J is the one closer to the nozzle 11n in the orthogonal direction among the two ends of the active part 12x facing the pressure chamber 11m communicating with the nozzle 11n from the nozzle 11n in each of these two nozzles 11n. It is more than the distance of the orthogonal direction to the edge part. Specifically, in FIG. 6, focusing on the fourth and sixth nozzles 11n from the left of the pressure chamber row 11m4, the distance 2J is changed from the fourth nozzle 11n from the left of the pressure chamber row 11m4 to the nozzle 11n. A distance F4 or more in the orthogonal direction to the end (lower end in FIG. 6) closer to the nozzle 11n in the orthogonal direction among both ends in the orthogonal direction of the active part 12x facing the communicating pressure chamber 11m, and From the sixth nozzle 11n from the left of the pressure chamber row 11m4, the end portion closer to the nozzle 11n in the orthogonal direction among the ends in the orthogonal direction of the active portion 12x facing the pressure chamber 11m communicating with the nozzle 11n (see FIG. The distance in the orthogonal direction to the upper end in FIG.

  In a plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to each pressure chamber row 11m1 to 11m4, a distance in the orthogonal direction from one nozzle 11n to another nozzle 11n adjacent in the arrangement direction (orthogonality between two nozzles 11n adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction) (Distance in direction) J is a plurality of pressure chambers 11m constituting a pressure chamber row to which these two nozzles 11n belong, and a plurality of pressure chambers 11m constituting another pressure chamber row adjacent to the pressure chamber row in the orthogonal direction. And an interval E6 or more in the orthogonal direction. The four pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4 are arranged at an interval E6 that is equal to the orthogonal direction. That is, the interval E6 in the orthogonal direction between the plurality of pressure chambers 11m constituting the pressure chamber row 11m1 and the plurality of pressure chambers 11m constituting the pressure chamber row 11m2, and the plurality of pressure chambers 11m and pressure chambers constituting the pressure chamber row 11m2. An interval E6 in the orthogonal direction with the plurality of pressure chambers 11m constituting the row 11m3 and a direction perpendicular to the plurality of pressure chambers 11m constituting the pressure chamber row 11m3 and the plurality of pressure chambers 11m constituting the pressure chamber row 11m4 The interval E6 is the same as each other.

  The interval E6 is smaller than the length 12L of one active portion 12x in the orthogonal direction.

  The distance J is an orthogonal direction between a plurality of active portions 12x belonging to the pressure chamber row to which these two nozzles 11n belong and a plurality of active portions 12x belonging to another pressure chamber row adjacent to the pressure chamber row in the orthogonal direction. More than the interval E7. Similarly to the pressure chambers 11m, the active portions 12x are also arranged at the same interval E7 in the orthogonal direction.

  The distance J is equal to the minimum distance in the orthogonal direction from the plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to one pressure chamber row to the plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to another pressure chamber row adjacent to the pressure chamber row in the orthogonal direction. . That is, the plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to all of the pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4 are arranged at equal intervals (distance J) in the orthogonal direction. Thereby, the turbulence of the airflow is less likely to occur, and the problem that the ink ejected from each nozzle 11n does not land at a desired position can be more reliably suppressed.

  The distance J is an even multiple of the distance corresponding to the maximum resolution in the orthogonal direction.

  Further, in the case where there are a plurality of patterns of a plurality of nozzles 11n corresponding to a plurality of dots arranged in the arrangement direction in the orthogonal direction from the supply channel 11s for supplying ink to the pressure chamber 11m communicating with the nozzle 11n. Among the plurality of patterns, the plurality of nozzles 11n are arranged in a pattern in which the number of consecutive nozzles 11n having the same orthogonal distance from the supply flow path 11s is the smallest. Specifically, in FIG. 6, in order from the left, the plurality of nozzles 11n corresponding to the plurality of dots arranged in the arrangement direction are numbered “1” to “6”, and from the supply flow path 11s. The nozzle 11n having the smallest distance in the orthogonal direction is “A”, the nozzle 11n having the distance larger than “A” is “B”, and the nozzle 11n having the distance larger than “B” (the distance being the largest) is “ C ”(in this embodiment, since the nozzles 11n belonging to each pressure chamber row form three nozzle rows, they are classified into the above three“ A ”,“ B ”, and“ C ”). In the present embodiment, the nozzles 11n of “1” to “6” are “C”, “B”, “A”, “C”, “B”, and “A”.

  On the other hand, in the head 201 ′ according to the modified example of FIG. 7, the nozzles 11n corresponding to the dots arranged in the arrangement direction are numbered “1” to “6” in order from the left, and the above When the nozzles 11n are classified into “A”, “B”, and “C” in the same manner as described above, the nozzles 11n of “1” to “6” are “C”, “C”, “A”, “A”, “B”, and “B”. is there. That is, in the modified example of FIG. 7, compared to the present embodiment, “A”, “A”, “B”, “B”, “C”, and “C” nozzles having the same distance in the orthogonal direction from the supply flow path 11 s. The number of times 11n continues is increasing.

  In the case where the nozzles 11n belonging to each pressure chamber row form three nozzle rows, there are various patterns in the arrangement of the nozzles 11n, including the modified example of FIG. In the present embodiment, among the various patterns, a pattern in which nozzles having equal distances in the orthogonal direction from the supply flow path 11s are not continuous is employed.

  According to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the same effects by the same configuration as the first embodiment.

  The plurality of nozzles 11n corresponding to the plurality of dots arranged in the arrangement direction are arranged in a pattern in which the nozzles 11n having the same distance in the orthogonal direction from the supply flow path 11s are not continuous. Thereby, the characteristic difference is less noticeable.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the difference between the head 301 according to the third embodiment of the present invention and the head 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. The head 301 differs from the head 1 in that the distance in the orthogonal direction between the plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to the pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4 is different for each pressure chamber row 11m1 to 11m4.

  Among the plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to each of the pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4, a distance in the orthogonal direction between two nozzles 11n (in the present embodiment, two nozzles 11n adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction) that are most separated from each other in the orthogonal direction. K1 to K4 are different from each other in the four pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4. Specifically, among the four pressure chamber rows 11m1 to 11m4, the pressure chamber row located on the downstream side in the transport direction is different from the one nozzle 11n in the plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to the pressure chamber row in the arrangement direction. The distance in the orthogonal direction to the nozzle 11n is large. That is, the distance K4 in the pressure chamber row 11m4 is larger than the distance K3 in the pressure chamber row 11m3, the distance K3 is larger than the distance K2 in the pressure chamber row 11m2, and the distance K2 is larger than the distance K1 in the pressure chamber row 11m1.

  According to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the same effects by the same configuration as the first embodiment.

  The turbulence of the air flow is likely to increase toward the downstream side in the transport direction. In this regard, according to the present embodiment, the pressure chamber row on the downstream side in the transport direction is orthogonal from one nozzle 11n in the plurality of nozzles 11n belonging to the pressure chamber row to another nozzle 11n adjacent in the arrangement direction. The direction distance is large (K4> K3> K2> K1). That is, since the nozzle interval is larger toward the downstream side in the transport direction, the turbulence of the airflow is less likely to increase.

<Fourth embodiment>
Next, with reference to FIG. 9, a difference between the head 401 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention and the head 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. The head 401 is different from the head 1 in the arrangement configuration of the pressure chamber, the nozzle, the supply flow path, and the return flow path.

  In this embodiment, the channel substrate 411 includes a channel plate 411a in which a plurality of pressure chambers 411m and a plurality of nozzles 411n are formed, and a reservoir plate 411b in which a supply channel 411s and a return channel 411r are formed. .

  A recess 411bx is formed on the lower surface of the reservoir plate 411b. The reservoir plate 411b is bonded to the upper surface of the flow path plate 411a so that the actuator 12 is disposed in the recess 411bx.

  The flow path plate 411a includes three plates 411a1 to 411a3, which are bonded to each other. An upper portion of the pressure chamber 411m is formed through the plate 411a1. A lower part of the pressure chamber 411m is formed through the plate 411a2. A nozzle 411n is formed through the plate 411a3. The lower surface of the plate 411a3 (the lower surface of the flow path plate 411a) is a nozzle surface 411nx in which a plurality of nozzles 411n are opened.

  The supply flow path 411s and the return flow path 411r are located above the pressure chambers 11m and partially overlap the pressure chambers 11m as viewed from the vertical direction. The supply flow path 411s supplies ink from above to each pressure chamber 11m. The ink supplied to each pressure chamber 11m moves horizontally, a part is ejected from the nozzle 11n, and the rest flows into the upper return flow path 411r and is returned to the storage chamber 14x (see FIG. 4).

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention and modifications thereof have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications thereof, and various design changes can be made as long as they are described in the claims. It is possible.

<Other variations>
The orthogonal direction is not limited to being parallel to the conveyance direction, and may be orthogonal to the conveyance direction, for example.

  Of the plurality of nozzles belonging to one pressure chamber row, the nozzles other than the nozzle located at the end in the arrangement direction are not limited to being different in position in the orthogonal direction from the nozzles adjacent to both sides in the arrangement direction. That is, the nozzle may be at a position different from the one adjacent nozzle in the orthogonal direction and may be at the same position in the orthogonal direction as the other adjacent nozzle.

  Among the plurality of nozzles belonging to one pressure chamber row, the distance in the orthogonal direction between the two nozzles that are most separated from each other in the orthogonal direction is opposite to the pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle from the nozzle in each of the two nozzles. It may be less than the distance in the orthogonal direction to the end closer to the nozzle in the orthogonal direction among both ends of the active part in the orthogonal direction.

  In a plurality of nozzles belonging to one pressure chamber row, the distance in the orthogonal direction from one nozzle to another nozzle adjacent in the arrangement direction is determined from the plurality of nozzles belonging to one pressure chamber row to the pressure chamber row. It is not limited to being equal to the minimum distance in the orthogonal direction to a plurality of nozzles belonging to another pressure chamber row adjacent in the orthogonal direction, and may exceed the minimum distance or less than the minimum distance. .

  In a plurality of nozzles belonging to one pressure chamber row, the distance in the orthogonal direction from one nozzle to another nozzle adjacent in the arrangement direction is a plurality of pressure chambers constituting one pressure chamber row, and the pressure chamber A plurality of pressure chambers constituting another pressure chamber row adjacent to the row in the orthogonal direction may be less than the interval in the orthogonal direction, and a plurality of active portions belonging to one pressure chamber row and the pressure It may be less than the interval in the orthogonal direction between a plurality of active parts belonging to another pressure chamber column adjacent to the chamber row in the orthogonal direction, and not an even multiple of the distance corresponding to the maximum resolution in the orthogonal direction. Also good.

  In the case where there are a plurality of patterns of orthogonal distances from the supply flow paths of the plurality of nozzles corresponding to the plurality of dots arranged in the arrangement direction, the plurality of nozzles corresponding to the plurality of dots arranged in the arrangement direction have an arbitrary pattern. It may be arranged.

  Each nozzle may not be arranged in the pressure chamber region and / or in the active part region.

  The plurality of nozzles belonging to one pressure chamber row may constitute four or more nozzle rows. For example, as the length of the pressure chambers in the orthogonal direction is longer, the number of nozzle rows belonging to the pressure chamber row including the pressure chamber may be increased.

  The plurality of nozzles belonging to all of the plurality of pressure chamber rows is not limited to being arranged at equal intervals in the orthogonal direction.

  The number of pressure chamber rows is not limited to four, and may be any integer greater than or equal to one.

  An interval in the orthogonal direction between a plurality of pressure chambers constituting one pressure chamber row and a plurality of pressure chambers constituting another pressure chamber row adjacent to the pressure chamber row in the orthogonal direction is equal to one active portion. It may be less than the length in the orthogonal direction.

  The plurality of pressure chambers constituting one pressure chamber row is not limited to the same position in the orthogonal direction. That is, in one pressure chamber row, there may be pressure chambers whose positions in the orthogonal direction are different from each other.

  The extending direction of the pressure chamber is not limited to the orthogonal direction. The extending direction of each pressure chamber constituting one pressure chamber row and the extending direction of each pressure chamber constituting another pressure chamber row adjacent to the pressure chamber row in the orthogonal direction may be different from each other. . The length in the extending direction of each pressure chamber constituting one pressure chamber row and the length in the extending direction of each pressure chamber constituting another pressure chamber row adjacent to the pressure chamber row in the orthogonal direction are mutually May be different.

  The supply flow path may not be disposed between two pressure chamber rows adjacent to each other in the orthogonal direction. For example, when there are two pressure chamber rows adjacent to each other in the orthogonal direction, a return flow channel is disposed between the two pressure chamber rows, and a supply flow channel is disposed outside the two pressure chamber rows in the orthogonal direction. Also good.

  The supply flow path and / or the return flow path is not limited to being shared by two pressure chamber rows adjacent to each other in the orthogonal direction. That is, a supply flow path and / or a return flow path may be provided for each pressure chamber row. For example, instead of providing the supply flow passage 11s shared by the pressure chamber rows 11m1 and 11m2 between the pressure chamber row 11m1 and the pressure chamber row 11m2, the supply flow for supplying ink to the pressure chamber row 11m1 is provided. A passage and a supply passage for supplying ink to the pressure chamber row 11m2 may be provided. Similarly, like the head 1 ″ according to the modified example of FIG. 10, a return flow path 11r1 for returning ink from the pressure chamber row 11m2 to the storage chamber 14x between the pressure chamber row 11m2 and the pressure chamber row 11m3, and the pressure A return flow path 11r2 for returning ink from the chamber row 11m3 to the storage chamber 14x may be provided According to the modification of Fig. 10, the pressure chamber rows 11m1, 11m2 and the pressure chamber rows 11m3, 11m4 are of different types (for example, Ink of different colors) can be supplied and different types of ink can be ejected from the nozzles 11n belonging to the pressure chamber rows 11m1, 11m2 and the pressure chamber rows 11m3, 11m4.

  The vertical relationship between the supply flow channel and / or the return flow channel and each pressure chamber is not limited to the relationship illustrated in the above-described embodiment, and can be arbitrarily changed. For example, the supply flow path and the return flow path may be positioned below each pressure chamber, and ink may be supplied to each pressure chamber from below.

  The return flow path may not be formed on the flow path substrate (that is, not limited to the configuration in which the ink is circulated between the storage chamber and each pressure chamber). The flow path substrate is not limited to being configured by bonding a plurality of members to each other, and may be configured by a single member.

  In one flow path for supplying liquid to a plurality of pressure chambers, a supply port for supplying liquid from the storage chamber is formed at one end in the longitudinal direction, and a discharge port for discharging liquid to the storage chamber is formed at the other end in the longitudinal direction. May be.

  The actuator is not limited to the piezo type using the piezoelectric element as in the above-described embodiment, but other types (for example, a thermal type using a heating element, an electrostatic type using an electrostatic force, etc.) It may be.

  The liquid discharge head is not limited to the line type, and is a serial type (for example, a method of discharging liquid while scanning the head along the orthogonal direction with respect to the recording medium conveyed along the conveyance direction parallel to the arrangement direction. ) Is also applicable. The liquid ejection apparatus is not limited to including a head unit including a plurality of liquid ejection heads, and may include a single liquid ejection head. The liquid ejected by the liquid ejection head is not limited to ink, and may be any liquid (for example, a treatment liquid that aggregates or precipitates components in the ink). The recording medium is not limited to paper, and may be any recordable medium (for example, cloth). The present invention is not limited to a printer, but can also be applied to a facsimile machine, a copier, a multifunction machine, and the like.

1; 1 '; 1 ";201;201';301; 401 head (liquid discharge head)
9 Paper (recording medium)
11; 411 Channel substrate 11m; 411m Pressure chamber 11mR Pressure chamber region 11m1 to 11m4 Pressure chamber row 11n; 411n Nozzle 11nx; 411nx Nozzle surface 11r; 11r1,11r2; 411r Return channel 11s; Section 12xR Active area 14 Tank 14x Reservoir 100 Printer

Claims (20)

A flow path substrate having a nozzle surface in which a plurality of nozzles are open and having a plurality of pressure chambers communicating with each of the plurality of nozzles;
An actuator for covering the plurality of pressure chambers,
The plurality of pressure chambers are arranged to constitute at least one pressure chamber row,
Each of the plurality of nozzles belonging to one pressure chamber row is parallel to the nozzle surface of one pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle among the plurality of pressure chambers, and an arrangement direction of the plurality of pressure chambers. The distance in the orthogonal direction from one end in the orthogonal direction is different from that of another nozzle adjacent to the arrangement direction, and the position in the orthogonal direction is different from that of the other nozzle. ,
Among the plurality of nozzles belonging to one pressure chamber row, a distance in the orthogonal direction between two nozzles that are most separated from each other in the orthogonal direction is determined by the plurality of pressures from the nozzle in each of the two nozzles. A liquid discharge characterized by being equal to or greater than the distance in the orthogonal direction to the end closer to the nozzle in the orthogonal direction among both ends in the orthogonal direction of one pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle in the chamber head.   The liquid ejection head according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of pressure chambers constituting one pressure chamber row have the same position in the orthogonal direction.   Each of the plurality of nozzles is arranged in a pressure chamber region in which one pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle among the plurality of pressure chambers is projected on the nozzle surface from a direction orthogonal to the nozzle surface. The liquid discharge head according to claim 1, wherein: The actuator has a plurality of active portions facing each of the plurality of pressure chambers and a direction orthogonal to the nozzle surface,
The distance in the orthogonal direction between the two nozzles is the distance between the nozzles in each of the two nozzles in the orthogonal direction of the active part facing the pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle from the nozzle. 4. The liquid ejection head according to claim 1, wherein the liquid ejection head is equal to or more than a distance in the orthogonal direction to an end portion closer to the nozzle in the orthogonal direction. 5.   Each of the plurality of nozzles is disposed in an active portion region in which an active portion facing a pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle among the plurality of active portions is projected on the nozzle surface from a direction orthogonal to the nozzle surface. The liquid discharge head according to claim 4, wherein the liquid discharge head is provided.   Among the plurality of nozzles belonging to one pressure chamber row, the nozzles other than the nozzle located at the end in the arrangement direction are different in position in the orthogonal direction from the nozzles adjacent to both sides in the arrangement direction. The liquid discharge head according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The plurality of pressure chambers constitute a plurality of the pressure chamber rows arranged in the orthogonal direction,
In the plurality of nozzles belonging to one pressure chamber row, the distance in the orthogonal direction from one nozzle to the other nozzle is from the plurality of nozzles belonging to one pressure chamber row to the pressure chamber row. The liquid ejection according to claim 1, wherein the liquid ejection is equal to or more than a minimum distance in the orthogonal direction to the plurality of nozzles belonging to another pressure chamber row adjacent to the orthogonal direction. head.   In the plurality of nozzles belonging to one pressure chamber row, the distance in the orthogonal direction from one nozzle to the other nozzle is from the plurality of nozzles belonging to one pressure chamber row to the pressure chamber row. The liquid ejection head according to claim 7, wherein the liquid ejection head is equal to a minimum distance in the orthogonal direction to the plurality of nozzles belonging to another pressure chamber row adjacent in the orthogonal direction.   The liquid discharge head according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of nozzles belonging to all of the plurality of pressure chamber rows are arranged at equal intervals in the orthogonal direction. The orthogonal direction is parallel to the transport direction in which the recording medium is transported,
Among the plurality of pressure chamber rows, the pressure chamber row located downstream in the transport direction has a larger distance in the orthogonal direction from one nozzle to the other nozzle in the plurality of nozzles belonging to the pressure chamber row. The liquid discharge head according to any one of claims 7 to 9.   The plurality of pressure chambers in which the distance in the orthogonal direction from one nozzle to the other nozzle in the plurality of nozzles belonging to one pressure chamber row constitutes one pressure chamber row, and the pressure chamber It is more than the space | interval of the said orthogonal direction with the said some pressure chamber row | line | column which comprises another said pressure chamber row | line | column adjacent to the said orthogonal direction, The any one of Claims 7-10 characterized by the above-mentioned. Liquid discharge head. The actuator has a plurality of active portions facing each of the plurality of pressure chambers and a direction orthogonal to the nozzle surface,
In the plurality of nozzles belonging to one pressure chamber row, the distance in the orthogonal direction from one nozzle to another nozzle is the plurality of active portions belonging to one pressure chamber row, and the pressure chamber row The liquid according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein a distance between the plurality of active portions belonging to another pressure chamber row adjacent to the orthogonal direction is equal to or greater than an interval in the orthogonal direction. Discharge head.   An interval in the orthogonal direction between the plurality of pressure chambers constituting one pressure chamber row and the plurality of pressure chambers constituting another pressure chamber row adjacent to the pressure chamber row in the orthogonal direction is The liquid ejection head according to claim 12, wherein the length of one of the active portions is smaller than the length in the orthogonal direction.   The plurality of nozzles belonging to one pressure chamber row constitute two nozzle rows arranged in the arrangement direction and arranged in the orthogonal direction, respectively. 2. A liquid discharge head according to item 1.   The plurality of nozzles belonging to one pressure chamber row constitute three nozzle rows arranged in the arrangement direction and arranged in the orthogonal direction, respectively. 2. A liquid discharge head according to item 1.   A supply flow path for supplying liquid from the storage chamber storing liquid to each of the plurality of pressure chambers, and a return flow path for returning liquid from each of the plurality of pressure chambers to the storage chamber. The liquid discharge head according to claim 1, wherein the liquid discharge head is formed. The plurality of pressure chambers constitute a plurality of the pressure chamber rows arranged in the orthogonal direction,
At least one supply flow path for supplying liquid from the storage chamber for storing liquid to each of the plurality of pressure chambers constituting the plurality of pressure chamber rows is formed on the flow path substrate,
A pattern of distances in the orthogonal direction from the supply flow path for supplying liquid to the pressure chambers communicating with the nozzles among the plurality of pressure chambers of the plurality of nozzles corresponding to the plurality of dots arranged in the arrangement direction. When there are a plurality of the plurality of patterns, the plurality of nozzles are arranged in a pattern in which the number of continuous nozzles having the same distance in the orthogonal direction from the supply flow path is the smallest. The liquid discharge head according to any one of claims 1 to 16.   The plurality of nozzles corresponding to the plurality of dots arranged in the arrangement direction are arranged in a pattern in which nozzles having the same distance in the orthogonal direction from the supply flow path do not continue for 84 μm or more. The liquid discharge head according to 17.   19. The plurality of nozzles corresponding to the plurality of dots arranged in the arrangement direction are arranged in a pattern in which nozzles having the same distance in the orthogonal direction from the supply flow path are not continuous. The liquid discharge head described.   In the plurality of nozzles belonging to one pressure chamber row, a distance in the orthogonal direction from one nozzle to the other nozzle is an even multiple of a distance corresponding to the maximum resolution in the orthogonal direction. The liquid discharge head according to claim 1.

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